The immediate effect of lumbar spine manipulation, thoracic spine manipulation and placebo manipulation on range of motion and bowling speed in asymptomatic male and female indoor cricket bowlers

Abstract

Background: Cricket bowling is a manoeuvre that consists of a sequence of body motions utilising the entire kinematic chain. Cricket like many sports is played both indoor and outdoor. To eliminate the factors of weather (dew and wind) and nature (grass top pitchers) the following study was conducted on indoor cricket bowlers. The phrase ‘proximal stability for distal mobility’ is best suited, as the lower extremities, pelvis and trunk play a vital role and assist the upper extremities in the bowling action. Therefore, bowling should be known as a combined movement of the entire body, culminating with rapid motions of the upper extremity. Restricted motion within a joint segment could lead to adverse changes in the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the trunk. Restricted motion of the trunk and pelvis may result in abnormal loads being applied on the peripheral joints, thus resulting in injuries or a decline in an athlete’s performance. Spinal manipulation therapy is a technique that is used to improve flexibility and mobility in a joint. This study focused on the effects of SMT on the joint range of motion (trunk) and bowling speed. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess the immediate effects of lumbar spine, thoracic spine, and placebo manipulation on the range of motion of the thoracic and lumbar spine, as well as the bowling speed of the participants. Methods: A sample of asymptomatic male and female cricket bowlers (60 in total), playing for schools, local clubs and at provincial level were divided into three groups of 10 each. Group 1a and Group 1b received thoracic spine manipulation, Group 2a and Group 2b received lumbar spine manipulation and Group 3a and Group 3b received placebo spinal manipulation. The range of motion of the thoracic and lumbar spine was measured pre and post manipulation using a digital inclinometer. Bowling speed was measured pre and post warm-up and manipulation using a speed radar. The participants’ perception of changes in bowling speed post manipulation were also recorded. SPSS version 25 was used to statistically analyse the data. Results: There were statistically significant increases in thoracic range of motion post thoracic manipulation in male and female participants. Thoracic spine manipulation enhanced bowling speed significantly in male and female participants. Lumbar spine manipulation increased lumbar range of motion and thoracic range of motion, especially in the female athletes. However, it did not impact bowling speed. Post placebo manipulation showed that there were no significant differences in range of motion and bowling speed. However, both thoracic and lumbar manipulation showed significant changes in range of motion, compared to placebo manipulation. Conclusion: This study supported the findings of several authors, that spinal manipulation significantly influences athletes’ performance. In this study, post thoracic spine manipulation bowling speed increased significantly in both male and female athletes. It was also evident that female participants’ range of motion increased overall except for extension of the lumbar spine more post manipulation, while male participants had a higher bowling speed average.